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Outdoor Air Quality

It is important to be aware of the health risks of outdoor air pollution and to take the appropriate steps to reduce exposure to pollutants. Air pollution is associated with asthma and other respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer and premature death. While poor air quality affects everyone, children, seniors and those with heart or lung disease are more at risk from the negative effects of outdoor air pollution.

The design of our communities can impact the amount of outdoor air pollution in the air we breathe. In communities where homes are located far from schools, jobs and shopping, people must drive more often and for longer distances to get to where they need to go. This contributes to more vehicle emissions in the air, which results in more outdoor air pollution. Vehicle emissions from driving; from idling on city streets, in parking lots and while waiting at drive-thrus; and from the number and location of industries and high traffic corridors in an area can also affect the level of air pollution in a community.

When we design and plan our communities, we need to carefully consider the location of homes, schools, child care centres, retirement homes and long-term care facilities in relation to high traffic corridors and other areas where there may be higher levels of air pollution. We also need to be aware of how our day-to-day actions can help reduce air pollution. For example, choosing to walk, cycle or take public transit instead of driving reduces air pollution from vehicle emissions. If you have to drive, avoid idling your engine which will reduce emissions and save you on fuel costs. For more ideas on how you can make a difference and improve air quality see the resources below.

York Region works to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollution by:

Promoting outdoor air quality awareness at community events

Working with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and other agencies to respond to outdoor air quality complaints

Contributing to research on ways to reduce exposure to traffic-related air pollution

Working with transportation, community planning and forestry partners to develop healthy public policy relating to the built and natural environment

Learn more on how to protect yourself and improve outdoor air quality:

The Air Quality Health Index - A tool that helps the public make decisions to protect their health

Air Quality Alerts: Special Air Quality Statements and Smog and Air Health Advisories

The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a tool to help people understand how the quality of the air can affect their health.

The AQHI provides real-time measurement of air-pollution levels for York Region and recommendations on how people can limit their exposure and adjust their activity level during times of high air pollution.

The AQHI is especially helpful to those who are at-risk or sensitive to air pollution and provides them with suggestions on how they can protect their health when poor air quality levels may pose low, moderate, high and very high health risks.

What does the Air Quality Health Index measure?

The AQHI measures three common air pollutants known to impact human health:

Ground level ozone (O3)

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

How does the AQHI work?

The AQHI uses a number scale from one to 10+ to communicate the level of risk associated with the local air quality. The higher the number is, the higher the health risk and the greater the need for people to take precautions.

The AQHI also provides health messaging tailored towards both high risk individuals and the general public and provides recommendations on how people can improve the quality of the air they breathe.

Air Quality Health Index categories

How often should I check the AQHI?

You can check the Air Quality Health Index daily to receive real-time air quality levels and forecasts to help plan your outdoor activities.

Sign up for air quality alerts by visiting airqualityontario.com and check out the national AQHI website to learn more about this important tool. You can also get AQHI readings by calling 1-800-387-7768 (toll-free) or 416-246-0411 in Toronto. To obtain AQHI readings in French, dial 1-800-221-8852.

The free AQHI Canada app, created by the Government of Alberta, covers all of Canada and is endorsed by Health Canada. It is available for Android and Apple devices.

What do the Numbers Mean?

Health Risk

Air Quality Health Index

Health Messages
for At Risk Population

Health Messages
for General Population

Low Risk

1-3

Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

Ideal air quality for outdoor activities.

Moderate Risk

4-6

Consider reducing or re-scheduling outdoor activities, if you experience symptoms.

No need to modify your usual outdoor activities unless you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

High Risk

7-10

Reduce or re-schedule outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also take it easy.

Consider reducing or re-scheduling strenuous activities outdoors if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Very High Risk

10+

Avoid outdoor activities. Children and the elderly should also avoid outdoor physical exertion.

Reduce or re-schedule strenuous activities outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation.

Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) jointly issue two types of air quality alerts when Air Quality Health Index levels are expected to be high:

Special Air Quality Statements (SAQS) are issued when high risk AQHI is forecasted to last for one to two hours

Smog and Health Advisories (SAHA) are issued when high risk AQHI is forecasted to be persistent, for at least three hours or longer

The purpose of the air quality alerts is to advise people when they should take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure to air pollution. They also help guide industries and the public on what steps they can take to reduce their emissions.

York Region Public Health will issue a Public Service Announcement and related social media messages advising residents to take precautions when Environment Canada and the MOECC issue a Smog and Air Health Advisory.

The 20/20 program explains the link between energy use, air pollution, climate change and public health. It teaches participants how to cut down home energy use and vehicle emissions by 20 per cent. An example of conserving energy use at home is using cold water for washing clothes. An example of reducing vehicle emissions is replacing car trips with public transit. Participants in the 20/20 program get the tools and information they need as well as a free 20/20 Planner. The 20/20 The Way to Clean Air program also has numerous resources for elementary school teachers and students to help deliver energy conservation lessons in a fun and engaging way.

Related Resources

External Resources

Air quality,pollution,carbon monoxide,outdoor air,quality,activities,elderly,children,ozone,global warming,20/20,clean air,corporate air,environmental initiative,strategyAug 21, 2013, 12:16:19 PM EDTThe Regional Municipality of Yorken-USThe Regional Municipality of York
Outdoor Air Quality
Outdoor air pollution can affect everyone’s health. Find out
more about outdoor air quality and what we can do to
breathe easier.